Durham Stone and Paving Incorporated - Approval of an amendment to the Niagara Escarpment Plan

The subject lands are a licensed and operating quarry under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA). The current extraction limit is a sloped floor to a maximum depth of 401.8 metres above sea level (masl) on the north-west corner to 411 masl on the south side of the licensed boundary. The sloped floor elevations relate with the water table where both the 401.8 masl and the 411 masl are set at 1-meter above high-water table. The applicant is proposing to eliminate the sloped floor and extract to an elevation of 402.0 masl across the entire quarry floor (except where an area of 401.8 masl is currently approved in the north-west corner) which will result in extraction occurring below the water table.

The amendment is maintaining the approved horizontal limits of extraction boundary and no other changes to the operation are being proposed.

Further to a Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendment a NEC Development Permit will also be required for the operational aspects of the proposal and the details associated with preparation, extraction, and post extraction activities (through Conditions), consistent with the ARA licence. The development permit process would follow a completed NEP amendment process.

Application materials can be viewed online (see below) or in person at the Niagara Escarpment Commission by contacting the Owen Sound office to book an appointment.

Other information

The property was licensed in 2002 under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) for the establishment of a 'Class A' Licensed Quarry Below Water with a maximum of 250,000 tonnes of material being extracted annually on 20.29-hectare (51 acre) area of the total 40.11-hectare (99.13 acre) property. The licensed boundary of the quarry is already located within a Mineral Resource Extraction Area designation of the Niagara escarpment Plan where mineral aggregate operations is a permitted use in Part 1.9.3. Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act Development Permit 5246/G/E/01-02/53 was issued in 2002 to establish the existing quarry operation. The Amendment application is not proposing to change what has been currently approved for site facilities, e.g., portable extraction and processing equipment, resource stockpiles, mobile equipment and plant (screening, crushing, power).

Public consultation opportunities

Information about this proposal can also be found on the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s website Niagara Escarpment Plan Active Plan Amendments - Niagara Escarpment Commission to invite input from the public.

A notice sign will be posted on the property so that the local public is notified that an application has been submitted and advised who to contact for more information or to submit comments. NEC staff will also circulate notification to property owners within 120 meters surrounding the subject property, Indigenous communities, ministries, and local partner review agencies.

Pursuant to the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, a public meeting may be held.